Setbacks

Setbacks are part of the journey in life. While some of us experience more than we can cope with, others may experience one or two in their lifetime. We all experience setbacks, whether from health, finances, relationships, or employment. Nonetheless, what we learn from those setbacks prepares us and channels our growth. Setbacks can have a profound impact on your life, as they impede your progress and well-being. Sometimes, it brings about overwhelming stress and anxiety for some; individuals’ coping mechanisms can vary. A setback can help you reassess your life and make the appropriate adjustments to navigate a better path in life. Each of us has different coping mechanisms to deal with life adjustments; it is always important to keep your best interests in mind as you consider everything. At any crucial point in life, it is always up to you to decide on the lessons gained and the best way to move forward. Sometimes setbacks can forever change a person, although not necessarily, considering the change may be for the better. A setback can be a positive turning point in a person's life. If so, take it all in and breathe a sigh of relief, and you may be pleasantly surprised at how the next chapter of life will unfold.

"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward."

- Henry Ford

"Live the Life of Your Dreams. When you start living the life of your dreams, there will always be obstacles, doubters, mistakes and setbacks along the way. But with hard work, perseverance and self-belief there is no limit to what you can achieve."

- Roy T. Bennett

"Setbacks are what build character. They are what separate the lucky from the truly successful."

- Cherie Carter-Scott

"Optimism boosts your energy and focuses your sights on reaching your goals, rather than wallowing in your setbacks."

- Denis Waitley

I have experienced numerous setbacks while living with chronic illness and disability. Over the years, I have overcome many obstacles and challenges due to my setbacks, especially when I make tremendous progress and suddenly my hard work and efforts seem wasted. I strongly believe I have learned much more about myself, in regards to my tenacity, resilience, perseverance, and overall ability to keep fighting. It is both an emotional and physical struggle that feels overwhelming and draining of your energy. Somehow you find the strength and the will from within to keep moving forward. To be honest, it is not easy, nor is it ever easy, because giving up is not an option. Day in and day out it is vital you find the motivation and encouragement to stay in the fight, regardless of all the difficulties you face. You must have a strong support system by your side, providing you with the encouragement you need to help limit the impact brought on by your annoying setbacks. Your health setbacks should not make you feel like you are chained down, despite some moments, it makes you feel that you can and will break free. I also believe this can apply to all types of setbacks; some may take longer to come back from. Nonetheless, you can persevere and succeed, as long as you have the faith to believe in yourself.

"Realize that illness and other temporal setbacks often come to us from the hand of God our Lord, and are sent to help us know ourselves better, to free ourselves of the love of created things, and to reflect on the brevity of this life and, thus, to prepare ourselves for the life which is without end."

- Saint Ignatius

"Recovery is full of ups and downs. There is no such thing as a linear life. But you can always turn your setbacks into setups to come back stronger."

- Brittany Burgunder

"Your ability to face setbacks and disappointments without giving up will be the measure of your ability to succeed."

- Calvin Coolidge

“We don’t develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.”

– Barbara De Angels 

Setbacks can impede and interrupt your progress in life, often unpleasant and debilitating. At times it causes delays and will add more challenging obstacles in your path. Consider it an unexpected storm that wreaks havoc and upsets the balance you have grown accustomed to. Your individual experiences may differ; more or less, people will be frustrated, experience failure, get discouraged, and be overwhelmed. You can learn and adapt from your experience,  and as you do, you will develop the strength and resilience to channel your inner resistance. As you learn from your mistakes and make appropriate changes, it will enable you to propel yourself forward. Change is always difficult; nonetheless, it may be for the better. Setbacks may not change you; they just make you mentally stronger, by giving you the tools needed to take on the challenges in life with ease. As humans, we face adversity all the time,  some more than others. Setbacks may tussle with our emotions, strain our spirits,  and make us question our self-worth. If we let our setbacks take over and overrule our lives, we have lost the battle already. We must gain the inner strength and sanctity to develop resilience to combat our setbacks. A strong, resilient mindset is always helpful; seek help when you need it, and surround yourself with a strong support system of family and friends. Never give up on yourself; giving up is not an option.

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

– Hellen Keller

“It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life story will develop.”

– Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful.”

– Zig Ziglar

“I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.”

– Maya Angelou 

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.”

— Abraham Lincoln